Industrial compact agitators: know the main features

Industrial compact agitators or small top entry mixers for tanks are manufactured with a maximum length of 2 000 mm shaft and their mobiles do not require a diameter greater than 400 mm.

The reduced proportions of this equipment facilitate the assembly process, which translates into greater portability. Additionally, there is the option of using a steel clamp as gripper method, simplifying this task.

Industrial Compact agitator operating parameters

Besides, it’s important to review the operating parameters that distinguish this line of compact agitators, as well as the performance they offer.

To begin with, a characteristic that is shared by smaller equipment, such as the pneumatic agitator mixer Synchronism CT(F) series with marine impeller or Cowles disc —although Gamma, Rushton and Rotor-stator impellers can also be used—, is that they do not need to be mounted next to a reducer, since it would only slow down the equipment in exchange for unnecessary rotational force.

For this reason, the small volume of industrial mixers of industrial mixers of the Compact Synchronism CT(F) series can reach an angular speed of 1500 rpm at 50 Hz or1800 rpm at 60 Hz. Likewise, as they are compact equipment, they require a minimum power consumption and present vibrations of lesser magnitude compared to a larger one.

For slightly larger units, such as the CT(R) and CT(I) series compact mixers, we may choose to include a small reducer. With this equipment, we don’t need to have such a high rotation speed; rather, it’s reduced to generate a greater rotary force that allows it to agitate both viscous and non-viscous fluids. In this way, they manage to be versatile equipment capable of carrying out an endless number of processes in smaller capacity containers.

Another important advantage of the use of a reducer is that it allows us to employ a greater range of impellers with different pumping capacities, adding efficiency to the equipment.

Next, each series of agitators will be analyzed, in order to present its impact within each agitation task, and the specific characteristics of these small industrial agitators.

Compact Synchronism CT(F)

We start with the Compact Synchronism CT(F) series. These compact agitator models are one of the best options for working with very low viscosity products.

They also promote a mixed flow with high turbulence, thanks to the high revolutions that these agitators can reach. Due to these characteristics, they are ideal for carrying out different processes, among which heat exchange and homogenization stand out. Additionally, it’s recommended to mount these smaller industrial agitators in an off-center vertical position, as it is prone to vortexing.

As you may have seen, the smaller-volume industrial agitators have the same qualities and can perform the same tasks as a bigger-volume on. In addition, it’s possible to increase the length of the axis, without mechanical effort that is generated, affecting the engine by adding a turret or a lantern. On the other hand, this configuration facilitates the possibility of equipping the agitator with a double marine impeller.

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Compact agitators for moderate to high viscosity products

Based on the features reviewed so far, we might think that the industrial agitators for small containers of the Compact Synchronism CT(F) series are used with low or no viscosity. Possibly because they rotate at high revolutions or because they do not have the capacity to generate a rotational force that can move the product.

However, we find in the series of compact agitators' versatility with respect to the use of axial profiles, as we will review later. In this case we’ll focus on the agitators of the Gear Unit CT(R) and Compact Synchronism CT(F) with the use of Cowles disc.

Using the Cowles disc in this type of equipment works ideally because its design is designed on a toothed disk that has small blades at the ends. This structure, along with its high rotation speed, allows it to generate such a high shear stress that it is capable of agitating very viscous products. Therefore, it becomes the ideal mobile for pseudoplastic fluids that tend to lose their high viscosity when agitated, as in the case of paint.

Agitation in compact IBC tanks

We will give you preamble of the IBC container mixer CT(I), before talking about the specific features. This container is used for bulk goods, whether solid or liquid transportation and storage. It is commonly made of plastic, although it can be produced with metallic materials, if the product transportation requires it.

In addition, the IBC container is surrounded by an aluminum grid as a protection measure, since one of the most important characteristics is portability. For this reason, it is manufactured with a maximum capacity of 3 m3; however, the majority has a 1 m3 volume.

Now that we have learned a bit more about these containers, it’s time to look at where the industrial compact agitator fit in.

In the beginning, it is important to mention that **the agitation in compact IBC tanks is fast and efficient. What gives us different advantages to carry out tasks such as homogenization or suspension of solids, obviously in small capacities. In the same way, being a portable tank, the IBC container is useful for products that require easy transportation, since the main function of this tank is to transport small batches of product without mixing them.

To perform agitation tasks in IBC reactors, special equipment is required to work under these conditions.

In Autmix we have the IBC mounting CT(I) of compact agitators with two essential characteristics for this purpose, as we’ll see below:

• The first is their holding bracket, which is specifically designed to mount to these IBC tanks, so it remains completely fixed to avoid the presence of vibrations that compromise the efficiency of the process.

• While the second is its axial turbine-type mobile whose four blades can fold, so, when it remains static, the blades are folded downwards; and when they start to rotate, the rotational forces lift them. This feature helps you to get into IBC container easily, as the inlet hole of this small volume mixer is quite narrow.

Finally, it should be noted that this type of small volume agitator can be used in viscous fluids and in those that are not.

Use of compact agitators with axial profile impellers

Otherwise, the Compact Gear unit CT(R) are one of the most complete options when you need to work with small capacity tanks. This is because they can be assembled with a Sabre-type axial profile impeller, which stands out for its versatility and high pumping capacity.

Besides, these compact industrial agitators have the advantage that their power consumption is lower compared to larger equipment.

For this reason, these series can be used in larger tanks within this line of compact industrial agitators with capacities up to 5 m3. They only require a power consumption of no more than 3 Kw, which makes them quite efficient.

The use of a smaller reducer offers an excellent relation between rotary force and angular speed. In this way, with this combination, we obtain the most versatile equipment as far as compact agitators are concerned.

In summary, there are sectors in the industry that require agitation processes in small volumes. Either since it’s an essential requirement for the operation, or simply because the responsible company requires less production capacity. Moreover, each of these series of mixers has unique qualities, so here you will find the ideal solution for agitation tasks.

In Autmix, we offer a variety of industrial agitators, as well as larges ones for sturdy processing, and we have trained personnel to guide you in the equipment selection.